Island



(No Model.)

I A. S. SOUTHWIOK.

CHAIN BRAGBLBT.

Patented June 26, A18,83.

FIC-hln F1134. Fl E. E.

INVE NTUH.

WITNEEEIEEI i l l j i v g1 1 fl Ny PETERS. mowmnogmpher, washington l)4 t;

.UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ANDREW S. SOUTHWICK, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, ASSIGNOR 'IO GEORGE L. VOSE, OF SAME PLACE.

CHAIN BRACELET.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 280,253, dated June 26, 1883.

Application filed Novemberll. 1882. (No model.)

' To all inkom it 71mg concern.-

Be it known that I, ANDREW S. SOUTH- WICK, of Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, have invented an Improvement in vChain Bracelets, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to that class of chain bracelets which areformed of a series of alternating rows of links; and it consists in the combination of an eXtensible chain holding slide with means for locking or otherwise fastening the chain-holding slide to the ornamental front of the clasp of the bracelet, whereby the unfastened slide may be drawn for a limited distance from the ornamental front for the purpose of pulling the loose end of the chain through the clasp-box, and a reverse movement of the slide will cause the sameto become fastened to the ornamental front portion of the clasp, and at the same time secure the loose end of the chain in its proper position for holding the bracelet 'securely on the wrist of the wearer. 4

Heretofore the box for holding one end ofthe chain, and through which the loose end was to be passed, has been so constructed as to -preserve a uniform relation to the ornamental front portion of the clasp, anda piece of cork has been placed in one side of the boX,to hold the chain by means of the friction thus produced between the adjoining surface of the cork and chain; but after a time the cork becomes worn or indented bythe chain,which is drawn under constant pressure over the surface of the cork, and ceases to operate satisfactorily.

My improved chain-holding slide, by means of which the opening may be increased for the purpose of moving the loose end of the chain through the box, freed from pressure, and by means of which, after the proper adjustment of the chain, it may be fastened securely in proper position, constitutes a highly desirable improvement in this class of bracelets, by means of which the convenience and durability of the bracelet are greatly increased.

Figure l represents an edge view of the chain hbracelet. Fig. 2 is a section ofthe clasp in its closed condition,taken longitudinally of the bracelet. Fig. 3 is a similar section, showing the slide of the clasp drawn back to allow the proper movement of the chain throughthe box'. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section of the slide of the clasp. Fig. 5 is a similar section of the slotted guide-piece of the clasp. Fig. 6 is a section of the clasp, taken transversely of the bracelet.

In the drawings, A is the bracelet-chain, one end of which is secured within the outer sliding portion, b, of the clasp-box B by means of the wire a, which passes through the end links of the bracelet-chain and through opposite slots c, made in the sides of the interior guidepiece, d, of the clasp-box. The slide bis provided with an end piece, e, serving to cover the end of the chain A and present a suitable ekter'nal finish. Within the closed chamber h of the clasp are placed the spring-operated push-bars D D, provided with the holes f, adapted to receive the ends of the posts g g, which are attached to the opposite sides of the slide b, and'provided with the notches j, adapted for engagement with the inner sides of the holes f of the push-bars, and the spring Eserves to force the push-bars D outward to lock the slide b to the ornamental front C of the clasp. The internal guide-piece, d, is made in L-l form and soldered to the back plate, k, as shown in Fig. 6, and provided with the opposite slots, c c, through which -the chain-holding wire is made to pass, s0 as to limit the movement of the slide b from the front C of the clasp. To about the middle of the inner side of the I-l formed guide-piece el are attached the pointed .studs c z', which, when the slide b is locked to the front C by the push-bars, serve to secure the loose end of the chain A by entering between the links of the same; but a piece of cork or other frictional means may take the place of the studs t', the movement of the slide d, from its opened to its locking position, serving to press the cork firmly against the adjoining surface of the chain. A frictional fastening device may be advantageously employed for securing the slide to the front C of the clasp,instead of the springoperated push-bars and the notched posts. I

do not, therefore, limit myinvention to the employment of y the push bar locking device shown in the drawings in connection with the chain-holding slide, since the gist of my invention consists in a chain-holding slide adapted for a limited movement from its point of fast- IOO e y 2S0,253

ening to the front portion of the clasp,whereby the opening provided for the loose end of the chain may be increased or diminished as required. Y

My improved slide may also be employed in bracelets made of Woven or braided Wire, in which the cork frictional surface has heretofore been employed for the clasp.

l claim as my inventionl. In a chain bracelet, the combination of the chain-holding slide adapted for a limited sliding movement to and from the front portion of the clasp, the chain attached at one end to the slide, and means for fastening the movable slide to the front portion of the clasp for securely holding the lapped ends of the chain, substantially as described.

2^. In a chain bracelet, the combination of the chain-holding slide adapted for a limited sliding movement to and from the front portionA of the clasp, the chain attached at one end to the slide, means for fastening the movable slide to the front portion of the clasp, and the studs projecting Within the clasp for engagement with the links of the chain, substantially as described.

3. In a chain bracelet, the combination of the chain -holding slide provided with the notched posts and adapted for a limited sliding movement to and from the front portion of 3o the clasp, the chain attached at one end to the slide, the studs projecting Within the clasp for engagement with the links ofthe chain, with the push-bar, and the spring for operating the same, substantially as described.

ANDREV S. SOUTHWICK.

Vitiiesses JEssE D. COTTRELL, SooRATEs SoHoLFIELD. 

